El Chanal Archaeological Zone — Colima
Postclassic–Epiclassic (800–1400 CE)·Western Mexico (Toltec influence?)·🇲🇽 Colima, Mexico
About
About El Chanal Archaeological Zone — Colima
El Chanal Archaeological Zone — Colima in Colima, Mexico is a Postclassic–Epiclassic (800–1400 CE) ancient-city attributed to Western Mexico (Toltec influence?). Epiclassic palace complex with Plaza of the Altar and Temple of the Steps on Colima plain. El Chanal was Colima's postclassic capital with ballcourt and six pyramids.
Why it mattersKey Western Mexico (Toltec influence?) compound illustrating Teotihuacan urban organization
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Urban craft specialization
- 02Mural iconography interpretation
Theories
- 01Multi-ethnic barrio model
- 02Theocratic palace administration
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1000 CE
- Period
- Postclassic–Epiclassic (800–1400 CE)
- Culture
- Western Mexico (Toltec influence?)
- Purpose
- Epiclassic palace complex with Plaza of the Altar and Temple of the Steps on Colima plain
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 1000 CE
Initial construction
c. 1960 CE
Modern INAH excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
19.2930° N · 103.7050° W · 380 m · 3 mapped features
El Chanal Archaeological Zone — Colima — Central Patio/Temple
patioMain ceremonial patio or temple
19.2932° N · 103.7049° WEl Chanal Archaeological Zone — Colima — Residential Compound
compoundApartment or house compound
19.2928° N · 103.7048° WEl Chanal Archaeological Zone — Colima — Workshop / Midden Area
workshopCraft workshop or midden
19.2934° N · 103.7052° W